Young Saudi Artists exhibition returns to spotlight local talent

‘Electric Series, Triptych’ by Yusef Fageeh is a collection of three hyper-realistic paintings of electric boxes. (Supplied)
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‘Electric Series, Triptych’ by Yusef Fageeh is a collection of three hyper-realistic paintings of electric boxes. (Supplied)
Young Saudi Artists exhibition returns to spotlight local talent
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Artist Zahiyah Alraddadi presents a moving masterpiece titled “Numb”, a painting depicting an individual sitting in darkness reflecting her battle with anxiety. (AN photo by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 27 November 2023
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Young Saudi Artists exhibition returns to spotlight local talent

‘Electric Series, Triptych’ by Yusef Fageeh is a collection of three hyper-realistic paintings of electric boxes. (Supplied)
  • Artist Yusef Fageeh presents three artworks titled “Electric Series, Triptych,” a collection of hyper-realistic paintings of electric boxes, taking inspiration from power outages in Florida’s recent hurricane

RIYADH: Athr Foundation has opened the largest Young Saudi Artist exhibition to date, featuring 25 emerging artists at Ethr Residency, Diriyah.

Launched recently, the eighth YSA exhibition, which will run till March 18, 2024,  explores the theme “on purpose,” and features a diverse range of artworks highlighting the Kingdom’s young artistic talents.




(AN photo by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Artist Zahiyah Alraddadi presents a moving work titled “Numb,” a painting that shows  an individual sitting in darkness, reflecting her battle with anxiety.

Alraddadi has been working on her oil painting for three years to capture her emotional fragility as authentically as possible.

FASTFACTS

• The eighth Young Saudi Artists exhibition will run till March 18, 2024.

• The exhibition is curated by renowned artist Rami Farook.

She said: “I have quit art multiple times. I had to change my approach and make art without overthinking. When a self-sabotaging thought tries to drag me down, I allow the feelings to come, but I don’t let myself stop.”

Eventually, Alraddadi stopped erasing her paintings and began painting over them, symbolizing her acceptance.




Yusef Fageeh, Saudi artist

She said: “From there I tried to build up on each layer, until maybe at some point I can like what I make.”

Artist Yusef Fageeh presents three artworks titled “Electric Series, Triptych,” a collection of hyper-realistic paintings of electric boxes, taking inspiration from power outages in Florida’s recent hurricane.




Artist Zahiyah Alraddadi presents a moving masterpiece titled “Numb”, a painting depicting an individual sitting in darkness reflecting her battle with depression. (AN photo by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

In a world dependent on electricity, Fageeh’s artwork spotlights the overlooked importance of the power source and how disruptive outages can be.

Speaking about the thought process behind the paintings, he said: “The electricity went out as I was painting these electrical boxes. That was sort of a switch for me of thinking this needs to go further. I started trying to find the images that I thought were the most fitting for this project. The work is about community and things in our community that unite us unknowingly.”

The work is about community and things in our community that unite us unknowingly.

Yusef Fageeh, Saudi artist

Using photographic references and with a meticulous eye for detail, Fageeh produces work that looks almost picture perfect.

His artistic technique relies on the use of adventurous color combinations to manipulate the situation of the painting.




(AN photo by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

“Something interesting about the painting process itself for me is painting the bricks, because I paint them one by one, and each time I paint a new brick, I basically mix a new color on my palette from scratch. You get into a weird hypnotic state at that point, just painting brick after brick after brick. Sometimes it’s frustrating, sometimes it’s meditative.”

Saudi artist Latifa Al-Bokhari’s work titled “To Care and Be Cared For,” shows a linen couch with two body outlines.




Saudi artist Latifa Al-Bokhari’s work titled “To Care and Be Cared For”, shows a linen couch with two body outlines, conveying a special memory.
(AN photo by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

“I created my art piece by going to design the sofa, then applying the cyanotype, which is a sun UV-sensitive material. Then the next step to have my best friend and I sit on the sofa and print it together,” she said.

Al-Bokhari said that she wanted to create something reflective of special moments spent in safe spaces.

“What inspired it is the experiences I have and feel around my community, my friends, and feeling loved in the safe spaces I’ve encountered in my life. I wanted to reflect that into an art piece.”

The exhibition is curated by renowned artist Rami Farook and a selection committee composed of Ayman Yossri Daydban, Dur Kattan, Wejdan Reda, Hamza Serafi, and Solafa Rawas.

Farook said that he draws inspiration from reading and trying to find his purpose.

“A lot of people are going through the same thing, especially artists, so I thought it would an opportunity for them to explore the subject for themselves and for us to engage with the community about it. Just seeing the term ‘purpose’ will activate it and let some people think about it,” he said.

The foundation’s exhibition aims to empower up-and-coming Saudi artists by collaborating with curators and exhibition specialists to support their creative potential in order to enhance the Kingdom’s creative market.

For more details visit athrfoundation.org.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.